More Dazey Churns ReproducedBy Mark Chervenka

More Dazey Churns Reproduced

Two more sizes of glass Dazey churns have been reproduced: a Round Label-style in a two-quart size and a Patent Dated-style in an eight-quart size. Both sizes are copies of originals. The new pieces were made in India for an American wholesaler. Reproductions were apparently first offered for sale in November 2003.

Neither of these new pieces are sold with the beater paddles and cranking mechanism found on originals. Each new size is sold with a plain metal screw-on lid.

But buyers still need to be careful, though, warns Dea Allen, a leading dealer in kitchen collectibles and a nationally recognized specialist in Dazey churns. "Mechanisms from original eight-quart Dazey churns will fit new eight-quart glass bodies," said Allen, "so you always need to carefully examine the glass base. Original mechanisms from the two-quart glass churns, though, do not fit the new two-quart churns."

Three other new Round Label-style churns have also been made including one-quart, one-pint and half-pint sizes (Fig. 6). Only the one-quart size was originally made by Dazey. The one-pint and half-pint sizes are fantasy items; no old Dazey originals were ever made in those sizes. Those three particular new pieces do include new mechanisms.

Another Patent Date-style churn was reproduced in a four-quart size in early 2002. Mechanisms from original four-quart churns will fit the new four-quart glass bodies.

There are several types of original Dazey churns. The types are identified by how factory markings are arranged, such as the Round Label-style shown in Fig. 1; the appearance of patent dates, such as the Patent Date-style in Fig. 4; or the shape of the tops or sides, such as Slope Shouldered and Bevel Edged. It is important to compare like styles when evaluating a churn's age and authenticity.

Dazey churns were invented in the early years of the 20th century by E.B. Jones who developed a small glass churn for home use. Nathan Dazey purchased Jones' business and relocated it in St. Louis, Missouri as the Dazey Churn & Manufacturing Co. Dazey churns were made up until about 1945. Although best known for its glass churns, the company also made metal churns. It also made can openers, knife sharpeners and other kitchen products.

Fig. 1 New two-quart glass Dazey butter churn jar. Made in India, wholesale price was $9.50 each. Sold with a screw-on metal lid. Height 7¾ inches; each side is 4¾ inches wide. Clear glass with just a hint of green tint.

Fig. 2 Molded markings on the new 2-quart Dazey jar are the same as markings on the original. "DAZEY CHURN & MFG CO, ST LOUIS USA"

Fig. 3 The new Dazey jars made in India are generally very crude with many flaws. Many new jars have large obvious air bubbles in the glass. The example shown here is almost one-quarter inch in diameter. Authentic Dazey glass churns virtually never have such large air bubbles.

Fig. 4 New eight-quart glass Dazey butter churn jar. Made in India, wholesale price was $17.50 each. Sold with a screw-on metal lid. Height 11 inches; each side is 7½ inches wide. Clear glass with just a hint of green tint.

Fig. 5 Molded markings on the new eight-quart Dazey jar are the same as markings on the original. "DAZEY CHURN, NO 80, PATENTED FEB 14 22, DAZEY CHURN & MFG CO., ST. LOUIS, MO."

Fig. 6 These three reproduction Dazey churns–quart, pint and half-pint sizes–include the crank mechanisms and beater paddles. No pint or half-pint sizes were ever made by Dazey.